2K Games has delayed upcoming sequel The Darkness II, noting that it will now receive a release early next year rather than October of this year.

First announced in February, and sequel to critically-acclaimed console action title The Darkness, the second in the series will now see a release on February 7, 2012 in North America, and February 10 internationally.

The publisher also noted that a demo version of the game will be available to play at this year's San Diego Comic-Con in July.

Like its million-unit selling predecessor, The Darkness II will be a first-person shooter starring Jackie Estacado -- now the boss of his organized crime family -- who wields an ancient power.

The story and universe are based on a supernatural horror series of comic books from Top Cow, and development of the game is being handled by Digital Extremes.

2K Games described the game as "a unique stance on fighting in the dark versus light", while also noting that it is "delivering on our core values of creating games for gamers."